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Editorial: How Does THE DARK KNIGHT RISES End and Where Will BATMAN Begin Again?Exclusive AKIRA Movie Update
by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub Posted:September 7th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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Early last year, Variety reported Warner Bros. was hard at work trying to adapt the ridiculously popular anime “Akira” into two live-action feature films. Rumors were everywhere that Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon Levitt were going to star in the picture and it seemed like any moment we were going to read about production commencing.
It’s now September 2009 and…nothing. The “Akira” movie’s gone quiet and when that happens, it usually means a project is troubled or it’s in development hell. But thanks to a trusted source, I’ve got an update that should make fans anxious to see a big-screen “Akira” happy. You don’t need to expand you psychic field to find out what I know. Just hit the jump.
According to my source, screenwriters Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, guys whose work I like, are about to turn in their version of an “Akira” movie and the reason why the project has been so quiet is they’ve been hard at work trying to get the script right.
For those that aren’t familiar with their work, they wrote the amazing adaptation of “Children of Men” and they’re also credited with “Iron Man” (although a lot of that movie was written on the set). But my point still stands that I like their work and I’m happy they’re taking a crack at it.
Also, while I couldn’t get a lot of info about what changes are being made from the anime to make the feature film work, I did confirm the story is still set in post-apocalyptic Manhattan in the near future. I also confirmed the famous motorcycle is definitely a part of the film, but that bit of info shouldn’t surprise anyone.
From what I could gather, the movie is still a priority for the studio, and if the script meets with approval from key people, the movie could go into production in 2010 with a release date in 2011. Also, this isn’t going to be some mid-range budget movie. If the film goes into production, it’s going to be one of those BIG event movies.
Of course, everything I just wrote is based on a lot of factors, but that’s where the project currently stands. Anyone hoping for an “Akira” live-action movie should cross their fingers that Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby’s screenplay is great and everyone involved gets excited. I’ll have more on this story as I hear it.
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Related Links
- AKIRA Fan Builds Kaneda’s Motorcycle and Rides for Charity
- Toby Kebbell Talks WRATH OF THE TITANS, AKIRA and THE EAST
- Toby Kebbell Criticizes Script for Live-Action AKIRA; Says Tetsuo and Kaneda Would’ve Been Brothers
- Abandoned Concept Art from Live-Action AKIRA
- Los Angeles Animation Festival Recap Day One: AKIRA + Erotica
When will the japanese stop selling ideas to the americans?
When will the americans stop fu+ing up every good story americanizing the movies???
Future Manhatan?? wtf!!!!
HEY HOLLYWOOD, STOP CHANGING MOVIES!!!!
you screwd up with dragon ball, street fighter(twice), dead or alive, and a long etc…..
When will the japanese stop selling ideas to the americans?
When will the americans stop fu+ing up every good story americanizing the movies???
Future Manhatan?? wtf!!!!
HEY HOLLYWOOD, STOP CHANGING MOVIES!!!!
you screwd up with dragon ball, street fighter(twice), dead or alive, and a long etc…..
They have said countless times that the live action film is an adaptation of the manga, not the anime…
They have said countless times that the live action film is an adaptation of the manga, not the anime…
Akira live action remake, ok, good.
Akira live action remake in Manhattan with english actors, not so good.
Place it in Little Tokyo, with Japanese-American actors at the very least.
Otherwise, if there is no Kaneda or Tetsuo, count me out.
Akira live action remake, ok, good.
Akira live action remake in Manhattan with english actors, not so good.
Place it in Little Tokyo, with Japanese-American actors at the very least.
Otherwise, if there is no Kaneda or Tetsuo, count me out.
LEAVE IT ALONE! THE LAST HUNDRED REMAKES OF ANYTHING HAVE SUCKED!
LEAVE IT ALONE! THE LAST HUNDRED REMAKES OF ANYTHING HAVE SUCKED!
I think an Akira Live Action movie could be awesome.
But Hollywood will probably totally overlook the rape, murder, drugs and so on that made Akira so deep. Hell, there were overtones of homosexuality in the manga – not blatant, but they were there in subplots. Kai had a crush on Yamagata (who was straight), and it added to his reaction when Yamagata died.
And Akira, with its six books, was FILLED with twisting sub-plots. Kaneda was very prominent but he was far from a lone hero – he had a lot of allies and some of them were once enemies (like Joker, the leader of the Clowns).
Oh yeah, and remember Kei, who eventually became Kaneda’s girl? And that’s a BIG ‘eventually’, because Kaneda started out a real up-and-coming womanising pig. She’ll probably be turned into some chick he has to rescue who adores him instantly for it.
Hollywood will probably overlook them all and turn it into another shallow sci-fi action movie like the latest Godzilla movie.
This movie COULD turn out awesome. But Hollywood’s not been turning out much quality lately, and I don’t have much faith in them for something this complicated and epic.
I think an Akira Live Action movie could be awesome.
But Hollywood will probably totally overlook the rape, murder, drugs and so on that made Akira so deep. Hell, there were overtones of homosexuality in the manga – not blatant, but they were there in subplots. Kai had a crush on Yamagata (who was straight), and it added to his reaction when Yamagata died.
And Akira, with its six books, was FILLED with twisting sub-plots. Kaneda was very prominent but he was far from a lone hero – he had a lot of allies and some of them were once enemies (like Joker, the leader of the Clowns).
Oh yeah, and remember Kei, who eventually became Kaneda’s girl? And that’s a BIG ‘eventually’, because Kaneda started out a real up-and-coming womanising pig. She’ll probably be turned into some chick he has to rescue who adores him instantly for it.
Hollywood will probably overlook them all and turn it into another shallow sci-fi action movie like the latest Godzilla movie.
This movie COULD turn out awesome. But Hollywood’s not been turning out much quality lately, and I don’t have much faith in them for something this complicated and epic.
I was trying to think of how this could be made into a decent movie.. maybe if it actually was set in neo-tokyo, actually starred a japanese cast and actually followed the plot (either the manga or the previous film)? but then I realize that it would still be a really sub-par movie for several reasons. live action remakes of any classic animated films are terrible. period. you can’t do it.
people should watch roger ebert talking about grave of the fireflies (takahata/ghibli). there is something that animated films give that a live action literally cannot. because in animated films you are looking at the “idea” of a character within a narrative. in a live action movie you are looking at a human actor who is portraying a character.. more importantly, the world created around them and how they engage with it is also vastly different. in animation their connection is homogeneous and fluid. because both are “ideas”. in live action there is a stark disconnect (think “sky captain and the world of tomorrow”). these are really important distinctions. That and the fact that akira is also such a classic simply because it is a masterpiece of cell animation, raising the bar in hand-drawn animation and has really yet to be matched by any animated film since.
hollywood will also probably have to distance itself from a lot of the heavy subject matter and imagery that makes akira so rich in the first place. so any way you look at it, this whole thing spells DISASTER.
I was trying to think of how this could be made into a decent movie.. maybe if it actually was set in neo-tokyo, actually starred a japanese cast and actually followed the plot (either the manga or the previous film)? but then I realize that it would still be a really sub-par movie for several reasons. live action remakes of any classic animated films are terrible. period. you can’t do it.
people should watch roger ebert talking about grave of the fireflies (takahata/ghibli). there is something that animated films give that a live action literally cannot. because in animated films you are looking at the “idea” of a character within a narrative. in a live action movie you are looking at a human actor who is portraying a character.. more importantly, the world created around them and how they engage with it is also vastly different. in animation their connection is homogeneous and fluid. because both are “ideas”. in live action there is a stark disconnect (think “sky captain and the world of tomorrow”). these are really important distinctions. That and the fact that akira is also such a classic simply because it is a masterpiece of cell animation, raising the bar in hand-drawn animation and has really yet to be matched by any animated film since.
hollywood will also probably have to distance itself from a lot of the heavy subject matter and imagery that makes akira so rich in the first place. so any way you look at it, this whole thing spells DISASTER.
Personally, a Neo Manhattan built with Japanese money wouldn’t be THAT bad of a setting. But it still doesn’t provide a reason why it can’t be set in Japan.
Oh, wait… it’s because nothing EXISTS outside of America.
And a Japanese cast would be hurled RIGHT out the window. Except for maybe a few minor characters. And I can bet the fattest part of my ass that acting ability and resemblance will be thrown aside in favour of big names.
We all know here that Akira was NEVER an action story. It had plenty of action in it – in fact you couldn’t turn three pages without something blowing up or breaking or something – but that wasn’t the POINT. It was a post-armageddon story about SOCIETY, and corruption in politics, and what happens AFTER you’ve rebuilt from the rubble. Nothing was black and white, it was all shades of grey, and pretty dark shades of grey too. Hell, a shitload of the ‘good’ guys were fucking terrorists, and the manga didn’t do a whole lot to try to change your mind.
Compared to all that, the action and sci-fi stuff was just a backdrop.
You know what else Hollywood will screw up? The ending. There was no happy ending. Thousands of people were dead by the end of even the movie. In the end, it was more of a “The worst is over” ending. NOTHING turned out alright. It was just time to start over from the rubble again, with perhaps a hint of ‘next stage of evolution’ in there.
Personally, a Neo Manhattan built with Japanese money wouldn’t be THAT bad of a setting. But it still doesn’t provide a reason why it can’t be set in Japan.
Oh, wait… it’s because nothing EXISTS outside of America.
And a Japanese cast would be hurled RIGHT out the window. Except for maybe a few minor characters. And I can bet the fattest part of my ass that acting ability and resemblance will be thrown aside in favour of big names.
We all know here that Akira was NEVER an action story. It had plenty of action in it – in fact you couldn’t turn three pages without something blowing up or breaking or something – but that wasn’t the POINT. It was a post-armageddon story about SOCIETY, and corruption in politics, and what happens AFTER you’ve rebuilt from the rubble. Nothing was black and white, it was all shades of grey, and pretty dark shades of grey too. Hell, a shitload of the ‘good’ guys were fucking terrorists, and the manga didn’t do a whole lot to try to change your mind.
Compared to all that, the action and sci-fi stuff was just a backdrop.
You know what else Hollywood will screw up? The ending. There was no happy ending. Thousands of people were dead by the end of even the movie. In the end, it was more of a “The worst is over” ending. NOTHING turned out alright. It was just time to start over from the rubble again, with perhaps a hint of ‘next stage of evolution’ in there.
OK if you have any connection to voice your opinion to the studio writers on how this movie should be made please pass this message a long. This movie please do not make it campy, chezzy like a mortal kombat or that that pile of crap Dragonball Z movie. This should be Children of Men meets Watchmen or something. Do not hold back on the violence, make it dark and evil, make really feel that the City is under duress. Just like the morbid setting of Children of Men. Iron Man was a bit campy but somehow the coolness of RD Jr surpassed it. This is Akira !!!!! It is a mega franchise, a cult classic, we can make this an R rated movie and still cater to the masses! Please do not chez this movie!!!
OK if you have any connection to voice your opinion to the studio writers on how this movie should be made please pass this message a long. This movie please do not make it campy, chezzy like a mortal kombat or that that pile of crap Dragonball Z movie. This should be Children of Men meets Watchmen or something. Do not hold back on the violence, make it dark and evil, make really feel that the City is under duress. Just like the morbid setting of Children of Men. Iron Man was a bit campy but somehow the coolness of RD Jr surpassed it. This is Akira !!!!! It is a mega franchise, a cult classic, we can make this an R rated movie and still cater to the masses! Please do not chez this movie!!!
Abandon hope all ye who enter here !!!
Abandon hope all ye who enter here !!!
@ duskpriest – Too True… Too True. This is quite a gloomy thread, though one lined with many valid points. The integrity and quality the movie producers will have to aspire to is tremendous in order to even create a facsimile of Akira, which is in my opinion the greatest manga and anime ever created.
This movie need not be shot in Japan. I said it, hate me for it if you like. I say this because all the panoramic views of the city will likely be CG anyways so they need only draw inspiration from Japanese architecture, obviously with Tokyo as its centerpoint. A Japanese American cast is workable, and not beyond the remit of Hollywood production crews, yes they are people too and can adapt to the demands of each project. (though certainly many do NOT do this)
This movie can work, and I withhold judgement until I see the films.
@ duskpriest – Too True… Too True. This is quite a gloomy thread, though one lined with many valid points. The integrity and quality the movie producers will have to aspire to is tremendous in order to even create a facsimile of Akira, which is in my opinion the greatest manga and anime ever created.
This movie need not be shot in Japan. I said it, hate me for it if you like. I say this because all the panoramic views of the city will likely be CG anyways so they need only draw inspiration from Japanese architecture, obviously with Tokyo as its centerpoint. A Japanese American cast is workable, and not beyond the remit of Hollywood production crews, yes they are people too and can adapt to the demands of each project. (though certainly many do NOT do this)
This movie can work, and I withhold judgement until I see the films.
As far as I know, it will be based on the graphic novel (manga) and not in the animation movie that was released around 1988.
When the Anime was released, the manga wasn’t finsihed yet and it has a slightly different ending. The storyline in the manga is way more complicated, apocalyptic and exciting than in the Anime. Not to mention that many characters were skiped in the Anime or given a different role. I don’t expect this to be a clonic adaptation of the manga, but considering all the stuff they can take from the manga it should be more than enough for 2 decent movies. Even for 3 if they wanted.
Lets hope they make it right, but don’t put your hopes to high.
As far as I know, it will be based on the graphic novel (manga) and not in the animation movie that was released around 1988.
When the Anime was released, the manga wasn’t finsihed yet and it has a slightly different ending. The storyline in the manga is way more complicated, apocalyptic and exciting than in the Anime. Not to mention that many characters were skiped in the Anime or given a different role. I don’t expect this to be a clonic adaptation of the manga, but considering all the stuff they can take from the manga it should be more than enough for 2 decent movies. Even for 3 if they wanted.
Lets hope they make it right, but don’t put your hopes to high.
I think a new Akira Anime like a sequel or prequel would be kick ass.. I don’t want a live action American made movie.. Did you ever see the Live Action Fist of the North Star.. It was crap compared to the original Anime and Anime Movie.. And I am just a white boy from Nor Cal..
I think a new Akira Anime like a sequel or prequel would be kick ass.. I don’t want a live action American made movie.. Did you ever see the Live Action Fist of the North Star.. It was crap compared to the original Anime and Anime Movie.. And I am just a white boy from Nor Cal..
Plain and simple, the only way this movie will work if word from word and scene from scene it is like the animie. No corny comedy one liners making reference to the American troops/pride keep it original and keep the original soundtrack. Then this movie will work.
Plain and simple, the only way this movie will work if word from word and scene from scene it is like the animie. No corny comedy one liners making reference to the American troops/pride keep it original and keep the original soundtrack. Then this movie will work.
Fist Of The North Star live-action feature film SHIT, Guyver live-action feature film also SHIT and don't get me started on the hole Street Fighter Van feckin Damme thing. Dont get me wrong Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon Levitt are both fine actors but taking on a Manga, no lads rethink…….How about Bill And Ben, only this time it's personal
I can see the future: In Holywood there will be a Great premier of the Akira movie and at the same time in Tokyo people will take 2 minute silence for Akiraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
manhattan? maybe. americans?!!! no friggin way any one of the fans gonna go see that crap!
I bet you if H Wood sees the hate blogs and then decides to Asianize it, but tries to not set it in either countries, but creates a fictional city, to supress the haters. Oh! and guess what they'll probably put Korean actors in place istead of Japanese. Because lately Koreans have been in the spot light with american movies and Japanese remake movies like Blood the lastvampire, ninja assasin and the like.
Look there are alot of talented Japanese actors out there who can act just like any Korean or american. But dont keep your hopes up guys, H Wood might make a Mexican inv-asian movie. Look I collected the manga and have the dvd of AKIRA.
IT IS A JAPANESE STORY. H WOOD as usual will with its zionist money maki'n jews will FUCK IT UP. nuff said.
C'mon lets all sing,…
Dem Hollywood money making zionist jews FUCKING UP AKIRA, Hey, Ho,Hey, Ho
Dem Hollywood money making zionist jews FUCKING UP AKIRA, Hey, Ho,Hey, Ho
Dem Hollywood money making zionist jews FUCKING UP AKIRA, Hey, Ho,Hey, Ho
Dem Hollywood money making zionist jews FUCKING UP AKIRA, Hey, Ho,Hey, Ho
Убейтесь, сраные пидорасы.
Убейтесь, сраные пидорасы.
How you dare, вообще?!
How do you imagine that?!
'Usual american teenager with a big red
dickbike bravely fights against brutal masses of meat, and in the end the Democracy wins?!'*has gone to al-kaida*